Technical Data Sheet
ISTRA 40
General information ISTRA 40 is a normal setting, rapid hardening Cal-cium Aluminate Cement (CAC) with high early
strength. It differs substantially from the usual cal-cium silicate cements (Portland cements) in its manufacturing process, chemical composition and
rapid strength gain. ISTRA 40 is composed of cal-cium aluminates with the following characteristics: • high early strength
• refractoriness • high abrasion resistance • resistance to biogenic sulphuric acid corrosion
(BSAC) ISTRA 40 meets the requirements of EN 14647 for
Calcium Aluminate Cements and is controlled in accordance with EN 14647. ISTRA 40 has a shelf-life of approx. six (6) months
when stored under dry conditions. Production
ISTRA 40 is produced by melting selected raw ma-terials (bauxite and limestone) in special kilns. After cooling, the clinker is ground using ball mills.
Technical data The following information represents typical values
for the quality control carried out in our plant. Chemical composition (%)
SiO2 6
Al2O3 38–42
Fe2O3 13–17
CaO 37–40
MgO < 1.5
SO3 < 0.4
Mineralogical composition
ISTRA 40 contains mainly monocalcium aluminate (CA). This mineral phase is responsible for the high early strength. When mixed with water ISTRA 40
forms calcium aluminate hydrates as its hydration products.
Mineral phases of ISTRA 40 main mineral phase: CA
minor mineral phases: C4AF, C2AS, C12A7
Cement technical properties
residue on sieve at: 90 m < 5%
fineness (Blaine) approx.: 3200–3700 cm2/g
bulk density approx.: 1.15 g/cm3
specific gravity: 3.2–3.3 g/cm3
refractoriness in cement approx.:
1270 °C
Setting time and water demand
The testing of the setting time is performed using the mortar in order to describe the behaviour of the ISTRA 40 in mixtures with a workable consistency.
A mixture containing CEN-standard sand and using a water/cement ratio of 0.4 is produced for testing the mortar on the basis of EN 14647.
Mortar
Initial set 1–4 h
Final set maximum 120 min after initial set
Water demand 24 2%
Development of strength After setting, strength develops very rapidly. ISTRA 40 is a cement with very high early strength and high
compressive strength. After one (1) day, the compres-sive strength is higher than that of high grade Portland cements CEM I 52.5 R after 28 days.
Development of strength [N/mm2 ]
Time 6 h 1 d 3 d
Flexural strength 4–8 7–10 9–12
Compressive strength
30–70
60–100
70–120
The tests are conducted with mortar prisms 4 x 4 x 16 cm produced according to DIN EN 14647 con-
taining CEN-standard sand and and using a wa-ter/cement ratio of 0.4.
Resistance to corrosion High resistance to waste waters in combination with
extraordinary abrasion resistance and high resis-tance to biogenic sulphuric acid corrosion (BSAC) makes ISTRA 40 an ideal product for sewer sys-
tems and waste water plants. When ISTRA 40 is mixed with water, the hydration products of calcium aluminate are formed.
They are extremely resistant to aggressive, slightly acid waters (pH factor > 3) including water soluble sulphates.
Refractoriness After drying out, mortars and concretes made from
ISTRA 40 slowly emit their hydrate water without destroying the matrix. At high temperatures (> 1000 °C), ceramic bonding occurs between the high alumina
cement parts and the refractory aggregates. These ceramic bonds make ISTRA 40 an excellent binder in refractory concretes and other refractory mortars
or gunning mixes. Quality
Like all other Calucem products, the production of ISTRA 40 is subject to stringent quality control. Constant monitoring of all components ensure a
consistent quality. The production plant is certified according to EN ISO 9001 – certificate number CH08/1542 and the Environmental Management
System EN ISO 14001 – certificate number CH08/1543.
Safety instructions The normal safety measures for cement must be followed. You will find further information in our
safety data sheet.
As of: 06/2010
All previous technical data sheets are no longer valid.